Sir — This refers to the article, “Unique solutions to emerging challenges” (July 10) by Karan Thakur. The writer has drawn the attention towards the care of elderly people. First, the expectancy of life has increased by 10 years in the last two decades. Children born in 2015 can be expected to live till 71.4 years. The figure of Indians over the age of 60 years, has hit 18.6 per cent.
Second, this category of senior citizens needs special care, especially in relation to non-communicable illnesses. Treatment of diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, cancer and chronic respiratory issues, cost more and need special attention and institutional arrangements and professional management by the Government. The lower middle class especially, which is unable to afford costly treatment, needs additional care.
Third, the elderly deserve social and moral obligations of the Government. They need better diagnostic and management, and increase in social health activities, mainly in urban areas. There is need for the introduction of geriatric as a subject in medical education curriculum. Innovative health insurance schemes for this group can be one way to go. A robust push to take care of Alzheimer’s and other sorts of dementia are required.